Model Year | 2011 | 2010 | |
Model | BMW 3-Series | Ford Taurus | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.7 in | 112.9 in | -4.2 in |
Length | 178.2 in | 202.9 in | -24.7 in |
Width | 71.5 in | 76.2 in | -4.7 in |
Height | 55.9 in | 60.7 in | -4.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3340 lb. | 4015 lb. | -675 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 20.0 gal. | -4.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.5 in | 39.0 in | -0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.4 in | 57.9 in | -2.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 56.3 in | -56.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.5 in | 41.9 in | -0.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.8 in | -0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.1 in | 56.9 in | -1.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 55.8 in | -55.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.6 in | 38.1 in | -3.5 in |
Total Legroom | 76.1 in (over 2 rows) | 80 in (over 2 rows) | -3.9 in |
Cargo Volume | 12.0 ft3 | 20.1 ft3 | -8.1 ft3 |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | Another surprising strength for the new BMW 3-Series. There's more room in back than in competing cars, and the seat is comfortably positioned and shaped. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Relatively small back seat room. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tight for large people. Fine for kids. Smaller than a G37, much smaller than a Maxima. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
tight and not too useful a space see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat room not as expansive as competitors. Trunk capacity could be better. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 Ford Taurus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Three adult room in the back seat - comfortably! see full Ford Taurus review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The front and rear seats are very comfortable. The back can be cramped with three passengers. The SL has heated front and rear seats which works great and are needed as the car heater is very slow to initially get warm. The heated steering wheel is also a nice touch. The seat fabric is soft but the light color might not wear well. see full Ford Taurus review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Leather appointed seats are like sitting in an easy chair. see full Ford Taurus review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Independently adjustable lumbar and cushion supports, individual front seat heaters, coolers and massagers for both the seat cushion and the back. Need I say more? see full Ford Taurus review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Large enough, easy entry/exit see full Ford Taurus review |